A variety of performing arts classes are being offered by Sarasota's Florida Studio Theatre.
Adult Spring Classes to Feature
New Poetry Discussion Class for Adults & Improv in the Afternoon
Kate Alexander, Florida Studio Theatre's Associate Director, will be teaching a new poetry discussion class, Poetry: Exploring the Human Experience for adults beginning March 31. The class meets on Friday afternoons from 2:30 – 3:45 p.m.
"A poem must be encountered; it must be read and 'felt'," says Ms. Alexander. The course will focus on poetry that explores the human condition and will feature poems that speak to our contemporary lives. This special class does not require any experience except for a love of language. Class size is limited, so registering early is encouraged.
FST's Improvisation has added a new teaching staff member, Rachel Oakes. Ms. Oakes has studied at Upright Citzens Brigade and is a graduate of New Actors Workshop, where she studied under Paul Sills – the son of Viola Spolin and founder of the Compass Theatre which spawned the birth of contemporary Improvisation in the United States. She has performed with many Improv troupes in the New York area and has also performed as a stand-up comedian in New York and Canada.
Ms. Oakes will be teaching Improv in the Afternoon , which meets Tuesdays from 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. Improv in the Afternoon is designed for people who have their days free and want to learn more about the art of improvisation. FST will also offer its traditional Improv line-up: Be ginning Improvisation on Wednesdays and Improvisation – for those who've already developed their Improv skills – on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Improvisation classes are taught under the direction of Rebecca Langford, FST's Managing Director. Ms. Langford has 16 years of Improv experience and developed FST's Improvisation program in 2000. Students in FST's Improvisation classes are given the opportunity to develop their artistic voice, both individually and within an ensemble while working directly with FST's Improv Company.
In addition to classes in acting, poetry and Improv, adults can also indulge their creative side by taking a workshop in Beginning Acting, Scene Study or Dance. For more information or to register, please contact Pam Smith at (941) 366-1350.
Under the guidance of professional artists, small classes are held each week in FST's professional rehearsal studios. Students are invited and encouraged to explore all aspects of the FST theatre community including visits to rehearsals, dress rehearsals, performances and other special events. The Education Program is under the direction of Kate Alexander and is comprised of a core of theatre professionals trained to teach free from personal dictates. FST's methodology helps each person find his or her own "door" to creative achievement.
A complete schedule of classes is attached.
Florida Studio Theatre
1241 North Palm Avenue
Sarasota, FL 34236
Website: www.fst2000.org
Adult Education Workshops
Spring 2006 ACTING
Beginning Acting - Monologue 101 (8 weeks)
Led by FST Associate Director, Kate Alexander.
Beginning Acting-Monologue introduces the adult student to the Florida Studio Theatre Education program. This course focuses on the development of truth on stage. A concentration in monologue allows the student to gain an appreciation for the theatre by facing a role personally.
Tuesdays
March 28 – May 16
7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Fee: $205
Scene Study 201 (8 weeks)
Using plays from contemporary theatre, students will score a scene and investigate it from the initial read-through to actual performance. Continuing to explore the themes of intention and objective, each actor is guided in the scene building process. Students will also begin to explore and discover the playwright's intentions with a script.
Thursdays
March 30 – May 18
7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Fee: $205
DANCE
Dance (8 weeks)
High energy. Move to world rhythms as you enhance flexibility, stamina and endurance. Fun and funky. No dance experience necessary.
Wednesdays
March 29 – May 17
3:00 – 4:15 p.m.
Fee: $150
The dance class is taught by FST Dance Teaching Artist, Kelli Karen.
POETRY DISCUSSION
Poetry: Exploring the Human Experience (4 weeks)
Led by FST Associate Director Kate Alexander.
A poem must be encountered; it must be read and "felt." Like meeting a new person, its presence – story and message - should reach you deeply. This special class will focus on exploring the human condition through poetry. From the ancient Rumi, to the modern Mary Oliver, it will begin with a shared reading aloud of each piece and then be followed by an in-depth discussion. Class members will be allowed to bring in their favorites. There is no experience necessary, only a love of language. Class size will be kept to a maximum of 12 students.
Fridays
March 31 – April 21
2:30 – 3:45 p.m.
Fee: $115
IMPROVISATION
Professional Improv classes are taught under the direction of FST's Managing Director, Rebecca Langford. Ms. Langford has 16 years of Improv experience and developed FST's Improvisation program in 2000. Students in FST's Improvisation classes are given the opportunity to develop their artistic voice, both individually and within an ensemble while working directly with FST's Improv Company.
Beginning Improvisation (8 weeks)
Discover the freedom of spontaneity. Beginning Improvisation is the launching ground to start developing one's skills as an Improv performer. Learn the fundamentals of comedy Improvisation using theatre games and scenes. Students are given the opportunity to explore creativity, hone presentation skills, and build self-confidence through teamwork. This class is designed for those who have no previous Improv knowledge and who have not taken classes with FST Improv before.
Wednesdays
March 29 – May 17
7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Fee: $205
Improvisation (8 weeks)
Students are placed into an ensemble and continue to build upon the fundamentals of Improvisation while advancing scenic and character skills. Students will discover their strengths while exploring different forms and styles of Improvisation. This class is intended for those who have an immediate working knowledge of the rules and styles adhered to by FST Improv. Admission into this class is by instructor recommendation only.
Wednesdays
March 29 – May 17
7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Fee: $205
Thursdays
March 30 – May 18
7:00 -9:00 p.m.
Fee: $205
Improv in the Afternoon (8 weeks)
This class is for those individuals who have their days free and want to expand themselves artistically. Learn the fundamentals of Improvisation using theatre games and scenes. Specifically designed for the newcomer to theatre or Improvisation. Students will learn basic theatrical and Improvisational skills while building confidence through ensemble work. This class is a great introduction to those new to performing or Improvisation or as a refresher course to those who want to Improve their skills.
Tuesdays
March 28 – May 16
4:00 – 5:30 p.m.
Fee: $175
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